v3.25.4
Operating expenses - Disclosure of detailed information about operating profit (Detail) - GBP (£)
£ in Millions
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Staff costs      
Total staff costs £ 3,175 £ 3,120 £ 3,108
Depreciation and amortisation      
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 248 258 279
Share of joint ventures' and associates' amortisation of acquired intangible assets     1
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets including joint ventures' and associates' share 248 258 280
Amortisation of internally developed intangible assets 352 364 330
Depreciation, property, plant and equipment 26 34 43
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 37 50 65
Amortisation of pre-publication costs 89 77 76
Total depreciation and other amortisation 504 525 514
Total depreciation and amortisation (including amortisation of acquired intangibles) 752 783 794
Other expenses      
Cost of sales including pre-publication costs and inventory expenses 3,233 3,300 3,216
Short-term and low value lease expenses £ 15 £ 16 £ 18